Process
A discussion paper was prepared to support government engagement with Indigenous peoples, key stakeholders, internal experts, opinion leaders, and the public on priority themes that the Watershed Security Strategy may focus on. It highlighted some of the science and policy opportunities the eventual Watershed Security Strategy may explore.
The discussion paper was supplemented with background documents on water governance, drinking water and the watershed policy and management in B.C.
As well, during the engagement period, the Province shared information posts on:
- Water and reconciliation
- Governance, management, and policy
- Watershed knowledge and data
- Re-setting the water supply and demand relationship
- Water reallocation
- Healthy aquatic ecosystems
Visit the Water Sustainability Act blog site.
What was the timeline?
Feedback on the Discussion Paper was welcomed between January 25 and March 18, 2022 at 4 PM through a feedback form and written submissions.
What happens next?
Government has prepared a What We Heard Report that summarizes the feedback from public engagement on the Watershed Security Strategy and Fund Discussion Paper. A separate report is being prepared to summarize feedback received through webinars and meetings with Indigenous peoples.
Government will use the feedback from this engagement to help develop options for the Watershed Security Strategy and Fund.
Next, the Watershed Security Strategy will release an Intentions Paper in early 2023, which will be informed by the public engagement to date. It will include potential actions for the Watershed Security Strategy. These actions will be developed in collaboration with the B.C.-First Nations Water Table and Treaty Nations, as committed in the Declaration Act Action Plan.